India’s Lakshya Sen celebrates (Bradley Collyer/PA via AP) NEW DELHI: Lakshya Sen produced a determined performance to beat Ng Ka Long Angus to advance to the quarter-finals of the All England Open Badminton Championships on Thursday.World number 12 Indian shuttlers won the tough round of 16 encounter 21-19, 21-23, 21-10 after an intense three-match battle filled with long rallies and physical exchanges. Lakshya, who finished second in the 2022 tournament, showed strong mental toughness to overcome his opponent against whom he had previously lost all three matches.
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“It was a very solid match, I think both sets and to his credit as well, he made a solid comeback in the second. I think towards the end of the second set I wasn’t playing freely and I gave too many easy shots to kill them,” said Lakshya.The match started with Lakshya losing early in the opening game but gradually found his rhythm. Using sharp smashes and accurate placement, he rallied from a 4-6 deficit to build a solid lead before sealing the first game after a thrilling finish.Lakshya looked in control in the second game and even built a comfortable lead at the halfway mark. However, Ng Ka Long came back late and saved several match points to force the match into a deciding third game.“But yeah, I think in the third set I was ready to go all out again and happy with how I played in the third,” he added.“Tactically I played the right game both sets and yes, it’s just the last few points that I didn’t stick to the plan, I just gave too many easy mistakes. But again it was important to just switch off, forget about the second set, forget about the first set and just play the third set with the same game plan that worked.”In the decider, Lakshya quickly gained control, taking an early lead and dominating with strong defense and quick attacking shots. His opponent struggled to keep up as Lakshya stretched far ahead and comfortably closed out the match.“I feel particularly good on the court, the last two matches and yes, now it’s time to recover again, another tough match tomorrow, so just have 24 hours and then go out,” he added.
